Category Archives: Branson

Branson golf and entertainers featured in GOLFWEEK article

The Payne Stewart Golf Course is but one of Branson's many golfing opportunities.

When most people think of Branson, Missouri in conjunction with Shoji Tabuchi, Marty Haggard and Buck Trent they are thinking Branson shows, music and being entertained, but the August 12 edition of “GOLFWEEK” magazine presents them, and Branson, from a different perspective. In an article entitled, “A Lark in the Ozarks” Martin Kaufmann describes not only his golfing experiences with Tabuchi, Haggard and Trent on some of Branson’s fine golf courses, but does an excellent job of tying in what else Branson has to offer, not only in terms of its shows and entertainment, but in terms of lifestyle and a bit of history.

“What a wonderful way to share not only the great golfing that is available in the Branson area, but the total Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The article shares Kauffmann’s personal golfing experience with some of Branson’s premier entertainers at some of Branson’s best golf courses, personal insights on them and presents an interesting, very entertaining and insightful overview of Branson even to the point of saying, “Beyond Branson’s music, golf and other activities, what you’ll find here is a full-throated, unapologetic acclamation of the best of America: enterprise, initiative, unabashed love of country.”

Kaufman points out that Branson is home to “three Missouri’s top four public-access courses in the “GOLFWEEK’s Best rankings,” Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock.The article describes playing the newest, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, located in Branson Hills near the north side of Branson, with Marty Haggard. As he discusses playing the 210 yard par 3 second hole and the challenges it presented he shares Haggard’s reaction as they played the hole when he said, “Whoever designed this must have been angry the first few holes.”

He played another of Branson’s finest golf courses, Branson Creek, with Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shoji Tabuchi and Gene Litner. Kauffmann said, that the “Tom Fazio design, with its long views of the Ozarks, helped put Branson on the golf map when it opened in 1999.” In describing one hole they played, the par 5 18th hole, he compared it to Pebble Beach’s closing hole except that instead of the Pacific Ocean as the hazard there is a “sea of trees.” In pointing out Shoji’s evident love of golf Kaufmann said that he jokes about his hopes that his daughter Christina, who sings and dances in his show and has “a budding career in Nashville, ‘makes it big real quick so I can play golf every day.'”

While in Branson, Kauffman also played the LedgeStone Golf Club saying, among other things, its “back nine – with its elevated tees, doglegs and risk-reward options – might be the most thrilling stretch of holes in town and the centrally located Thousand Hills Golf Course. He also mentioned Buck Trent and The Pointe Royale golf course, which Trent finds time to play most afternoons. In discussing Trent he pointed out that Trent settled in Branson about 20 years ago because he liked the people, saying, “They’re my kind of people.” Somehow, as one reads Kauffmann’s article about golf and Branson, it’s not too hard to believe he knows and appreciates exactly what Trent meant.

It’s easier than ever to get to Branson by air

“The recent announcement by Frontier Airlines to add seasonal nonstop service between Branson Airport (BKG) and both Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)’ expands the choices available for Branson air travelers,” said Sharon Budnick, the Director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of the Branson Tourism Center. “Couple that with the other Frontier, Branson AirExpress and AirTran service into the Branson Airport and the American, United, Alligent and Delta service into the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) and its easier than ever to, not only get to Branson by air, but find a value airfare,” she continued.

Budnick points out that the new Branson-Austin service will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday from September 16 through December 14, 2011 and will be provided on 50-seat Embraer 145 aircraft. The Branson-Phoenix service will operate Saturdays from September 17 through December 10, 2011 and will be on 138-seat Airbus 319 aircraft featuring stretch seating with 5 inches of additional legroom and 24 channels of DirecTV® at every seat.

A cooling thought in the heat of the summer, Silver Dollar City's "Old Time Christmas" is a highlight of "Ozark Mountain Christmas."

“The new service offers air travelers additional convenience and service during one of Branson’s busiest times of the year,” she said. From the middle of September until the middle of December, it seems like there’s just one exciting thing after another taking place in Branson. There’s the beautiful Ozark fall foliage, Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival, Branson Veteran’s Homecoming Week, Ozark Mountain Christmas and the excitement of the shoppers version of “Deer Season,” shopping in Branson, Missouri between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Branson is a great family and group destination offering its visitors the most exciting and unique vacation and entertainment experience available anywhere. The constantly expanding choice of air service for air travelers and the nonstop destinations available from both the Branson Airport and the Springfield-Branson National Airport make it more convenient and affordable than ever for groups and individuals to fly to Branson.

Budnick points out that there are special introductory fares beginning at $89 each way for the new Branson-Austin nonstop route and $105 each way for the new Branson-Phoenix nonstop routes that are available for purchase through Sept. 17, 2011 for travel through Oct. 31, 2011. She reminds travelers, especially those wanting to take advantage of the introductory fares, that the earlier flight and travel arrangements are made the better the prices and availability will be.

Especially during the fall and Ozark Mountain Christmas season, making arrangements for Branson shows, attractions and lodging as early as possible will ensure not only availability, but getting the best seating and accommodations available. Budnick offers her assistance with booking any Branson flights, making any Branson travel arrangements or to simply answer any questions about Branson. Please contact her through the Branson Travel Agency by calling 1-800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

Expect traffic delays as major construction project at Highway 65/248 Bridge proceeds

Southbound Highway 65 exit ramp to Highway 248 leading into construction area with bridge to left.

“Branson visitors and locals alike might want to start factoring the construction that is currently taking place at the intersection of Highway 248 and U.S. 65,” advised Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “When completed, the project will relieve one of the last major traffic bottlenecks in the Branson area, making travel at the Highway 248/U.S. 65 bridge and interchange with its access to U.S. Highway 65, Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson much more efficient and safer,” she added.

David Miller, Engineering/Public Works Director for the city of Branson said, “The $5 million dollar project, being financed 75 percent by the city of Branson and 25 percent by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT), is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.” The project will widen the existing Highway 248 bridge, convert the interchange into a diverging diamond, repair the existing bridge deck and widen the lanes leading onto and off of Highway 65. Miller pointed out that the project will actually be a MODOT project and, except for some decorative street light posts, constructed and controlled by them.

He estimates that for the first two months there will be minimal impact on the Highway 248 traffic because the initial work will involve filling in the areas that will be used for the expansion of the ramps and adding the third lane to the bridge. He did point out however, that during several nights of this early period, that U.S. Highway 65 will have to be closed for the installation of the new bridge lane. It is anticipated this will happen between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.. The Highway 65 traffic will be routed over the Highway 248 entrance and exit ramps.

Once the crews start working up near the bridge, the center lane that holds the traffic waiting to turn north on U.S. 65 will be closed at times creating traffic delays. In most situations, traffic exiting from Highway 65 southbound and heading west and traffic coming up Branson Landing Boulevard and turning north on Highway 65 should be minimally impacted. Those wanting to go from downtown Branson or Branson Landing westbound on Highway 248 during any project traffic delays might want to consider alternate routing such as Highway 76 to Roark Valley Road and James F. Epps road back to Highway 248. That routing would reverse for those traveling east bound on Highway 248 wanting to go to Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson etc.

Other alternate routing would be to use the Highway 65 and State Highway 76 junction for access to and from U.S. 65. The Branson Hills exit and Branson Hills Parkway is another excellent alternate route to get to Highway 248 and avoid traffic.

Miller suggests that drivers allow a little extra time for travel during those periods when the traffic is impeded by the project and says that when the project is completed the improved traffic flow, efficiency and safety will be worth the minor inconveniences and delays caused by the projects construction.

Innovative Concierge Program stars Branson visitors

BTC's Concierge Program treats you like a star.

“You’re treated like a star,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Special Events for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), when referring to BTC’s innovative new Concierge Program. “Since the inception of BTC, our passion has always been toward our customers and ensuring that they have the best Branson experience possible. Our new Concierge Program is yet another way to enhance that experience.”

Not so strangely, the “concierge” process has played a foundational roll ever since Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC with her husband Larry, founded the company on the concept of providing Branson visitors with a free personal “concierge” type planning service. With one simple toll free call to 800-785-1550, prospective Branson visitors could relax and have fun planning their vacation as they discussed the many exciting options available for a Branson vacation with a trained BTC Travel Planning Specialist leaving the work, planning, reservations and tickets to BTC. Hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers and almost three million Branson show and attraction tickets later, the success of that concept is evident.

“Our free Concierge Program is simply an extension of that basic concept adding even more value and service to our customer’s Branson experience,” Milton said. Like all of BTC’s services, there is no charge for the program and every customer of the Branson Tourism Center becomes a member of the program and automatically receives “Concierge” level benefits.

“Concierge” benefits include exclusive Concierge Member discounts on vacation packages, a free Branson Vacation Savings Book with every vacation package, and a 20¢ per gallon discount on gas (up to 20 gallons) with every vacation package purchase. It also includes advance notice of special limited engagements; a free monthly e-newsletter with the latest Branson entertainment news, updates and events; online vacation and show itineraries and free show alerts to notify you of changes and cancellations.

Even more value and convenience is added as customers achieve “Concierge Gold Status” and “Concierge Platinum Status.” Gold status is achieved when a customer spends $400.00 annually with BTC and includes all the benefits of Concierge status plus an exclusive check-in-line at Branson Tourism Center, free photos of some of your favorite Branson entertainers and shows when you check in and a free Vacation Cancellation Protection credit that can be used on any future order.

When a customer spends a total of $1,500 with BTC over three consecutive years they automatically qualify for Platinum status. In addition to all the Gold status benefits, Platinum members receive the assistance of a personal dedicated Concierge Agent, free Cancellation Protection for life and free lifetime Platinum membership. In addition, they will receive exclusive invitations to intimate gatherings with their favorite Branson entertainers as well as reserved show and event seating for themselves and all members of their party.

“The Concierge Program is a way to say thank you to our customers, not only for doing business with BTC, but for choosing to visit Branson and share in our wonderful live shows, attractions and everything else that makes it the exciting, vibrant and fun filled place that it is,” Milton said. “Our goal with the Concierge Program, and everything else we do at the Branson Tourism Center, is to provide Branson visitors with a great experience so that they will say, ‘That was the best vacation ever. Let’s go back next year.'”

“Creating memories worth remembering” is the Declaration for Branson visitors

The stages and grills will be full of great bluegrass music and BBQ at Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival running from May 12-30.

BRANSON, Mo. “This weeks federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County, wide spread flooding elsewhere in the Midwest and earlier media reports about flooding in Branson could create the impression that Branson is flooded or recovering from a flood,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). “Even at the height of the high water the Branson area experienced during Easter week, media reports aside, the Branson that the majority of tourists come to experience, was never flooded or impacted by the high water, remained open for business and provided its visitors with the same fun filled shows, attractions, shopping, entertainment and value that has made it the exciting travel destination it is. The federal Disaster Declaration for Taney County doesn’t change those facts at all,” he added.

In an effort to provide prospective Branson visitors with accurate and timely information about what was actually happening and is happening in Branson regarding the flooding issue, BTC published the ‘Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report’ on May 3 (FAQ) which has been updated as needed, with its latest update being today. Question #1 on that FAQ asks “Is Branson flooded?” The answer was “No. A few low-lying areas located along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo and its tributaries were flooded by the record setting recent rainfall combined with water released from the Table Rock Lake Dam over Easter week. As unfortunate as that is for those effected, no Branson Show, retail store or factory outlet, including Branson Landing, and the vast majority of Branson’s attractions and restaurants was ever closed because of high water.”

Among other things, the Disaster Declaration will provide federal financial and other assistance to those individuals and businesses in the few low-lying areas whose property was effected. Kurtright points out that there is no more water coming through the flood gates of Table Rock Dam and that the only water being discharged into Lake Taneycomo from Table Rock Lake is through the dams four power generators. Although that amount can fluctuate, it will be within the normal limits of what one can expect when power is being generated, generally less than 15,000 cubic feet per second (cfs).

The “Branson” that the majority of the millions of visitors come to see and have fun in every year was never “closed” and, in terms of its visitors, continued doing exactly what it is doing today and has done for over 50 years, providing people and families with one of the most exciting, fun filled and economical vacations available anywhere. Branson’s first attraction, and still its most popular, Silver Dollar City has been dedicated to providing its guests with the opportunity for “Creating memories worth remembering” since it opened over 50 years ago.

When that spirit and the philosophy of God, country, patriotism, and family is combined with all the fun, excitement, adventure and entertainment that is Branson “Creating memories worth remembering” is simply a natural result. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Click here for the Branson is Not Flooded FAQ and Status Report with latest updates.

City of Branson Campground RV Park reopens

Some of the first campers back into the city's Campground and RV Park after its reopening.

BRANSON, Mo. The city of Branson’s Campground, located on the shore line of Lake Taneycomo is again open for business. The record setting release of water from the Table Rock Dam caused the closing of the closing of the camp ground. During an interview on May 6, Jim Dikes, who manages the campground for the city with his wife Sherrell, said that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the city administration and its employees, the campground has reopened for business.

Dikes said although not all the spots, especially those nearest the lake are ready for occupancy, there is a large number that are. He also said that electric, cable, water etc. are available for all the sites that are open as well as the campgrounds public washrooms, toilets and showers.

He points out that the city is continuing the work on the rest of the spots and they will be opening on an “as available basis.” He suggests that those who made reservations prior to the camp grounds closing might want to call the camp ground at 417-334-2915 to reconfirm. That number may also be used to make reservations for the campground as well.

“What a great job the city has done in getting its campground reopened as quickly as they did,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is unique in terms of its location right next to Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo and it’s just one of Branson’s many campgrounds and RV parks.” Bransons’s selection offers a choice and variety of camping facilities to meet every taste. Combine that with everything else that Branson has to offer and the result could be one of the most exciting and entertaining camping experiences ever.”

For additional information on Branson area campground and RV parks or for information or tickets Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Let’s use a little Branson Trivia for some respite from all that challenges us

Just one of the many aisles of merchandise in the unique shopping experience that is Dicks 5 & 10.

Even with Spring in the air it seems likes folks are down a bit with the economy, the horror of what those in Japan are going through, terrorism and just the plain uncertainty of our times. Let’s relax and lighten up for just a few minutes and have some fun with something whose very name illustrates all that is good about America and offers respite, relaxation and peace from all that would weigh us down, our home and the place millions of people visit each year, Branson, Missouri.

We’ll work through a series of ten “trivia” questions followed by the answers. It’s not how many we get right, it’s just the fun and entertainment of doing it.

1. True or False, Branson’s biggest attraction is located within the city limits of Branson?

2. Table Rock Lake has how many miles of shoreline?

3. The title of being Branson’s first music show rests with the Baldknobbers Jamboree. What is the name of Branson’s first and longest running paid attraction?

4. How clever are “The Cleverlys?”

5. The majestic “Grand Staircase” of the Titanic Museum in Branson, is a precise replica of the “Grand Staircase” on the Titanic. What were the tiles used on the staircase made of.

6. How many lodging establishments are there in Branson?

7. On what date was the City of Branson officially incorporated?

8. Out of the five Missouri golf courses listed in Golfweek’s recent article on the best courses in America how many were in Branson and which ones are they?

9. Within five thousand either way, how many items does the unique “Dick’s 5 & 10” in historic downtown Branson sell?

10. What Branson entertainers performed in 18 cities throughout China earlier this year?

Answers:

1. False. Even though it has a “Branson, Missouri” mailing address, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular paid attraction, is located to the west of the Branson city limits on Indian Point.

2. 745 miles at its normal level, the “Conservation Pool,” and 857 miles at the top of its “Flood Control Pool.”

3. “Marble Cave,” was started by the Lynch Family in the late 1800’s and, except for a short period of time, has been operated as a Branson attraction ever since. The cave was renamed “Marvel Cave” and is currently located under and is part of the entertainment experience provided by Silver Dollar City.

4. Pretty clever because the Bluegrass band from “Cane Spur,” Arkansas has toured the United States, performed for an audience of about 40,000 at the closing of the 2010 CMA Fest in Nashville, TN and will be doing about 80 dates with one of Branson’s favorite comedians, Paul Harris at the Oak Ridge Boys Theatre in Branson during 2011. The thing is, no one has checked out the accuracy of their bio written by Vera Mae Paradine Cleverly, the sister to Digger, Miles and VD Cleverly and the mother to Harvey D and his twin brother Harvey C Cleverly. However, when one considers that Paul Harris is Digger why bother. Let’s just sit back, laugh, be entertained and listen to their wonderful music.

5. Linoleum.

6. Remembering that the term “Branson” is not limited to the city limits of Branson the latest statistics from the Branson Lake Area CVB says there are 208 such facilities with 22,000 rooms.

7. April 1, 1912. It’s no “April Fool’s” joke and the city of Branson will be celebrating its 100 anniversary in 2012.

8. The article named three, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, Branson Creek and Murder Rock.

9. Dick’s offers over 175,000 items. It is said that “If you can’t find it at Dicks 5 & 10 you probably don’t need it.” Dick’s is more than a store it is a unique shopping and entertainment attraction that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

10.  That would be the Haygoods. Their extensive and successful tour of the 18 cities was conducted during January of this year.

From shows to golf the Branson experience is quality

Payne Stewart Golf Course's beautiful 225 yard par 3 12th Hole named the "Easy Eight.*"

(Branson, MO) “A neat thing about Branson, Missouri is not just that it has so many things to do, but the quality of what it offers. From its live shows to its attractions, lakes, shopping, lodging, restaurants and other activities, Branson is known for the quality of the experience it provides,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center. “A recent online article by Golfweek entitled ‘Golfweek’s Best Courses You Can Play,’ illustrates the high quality of the golfing experience available in Branson,” he continued.

The article listed Golfweeks “best courses to play” by state. The number of courses per state varied based on course supply, population and level of play, but for the entire state of Missouri only five were listed. The Branson area has three of the five; Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock. Branson Creek and the Payne Stewart courses have been on the list before and Murder Rock is a new listing. All three courses have been beautifully integrated into the natural topography of the Ozarks and are as beautiful as they are challenging. In addition, each has different length tee areas providing a “championship” golfing experience for just about every level of player.

The $32 million Payne Stewart Golf Club is Branson’s newest golf course and is located within the city limits of Branson on the north end of Branson in the Branson Hills Development just off of Branson Hills Parkway. The course was designed by Chuck Smith with consultation from PGA golfer Bobby Clampett as a tribute course to the late Payne Stewart. Each hole is named and has a plaque to honor his career and memory adding even more excitement and enjoyment to the golfing experience. This championship 18 hole course plays 7,324 yards from its longest tees and 5,323 yards from its shortest tees.

The picturesque and challenging championship courses of Branson Creek and Murder Rock are located just a short 10 minute drive south of Branson near the Branson Airport in the Branson Creek Development. Branson Creek plays 7,036 yards from its longest tees and 5,032 yards from its shortest tees. The Murder Rock Golf and Country Club is 6,727 yards from its longest tees and 5,627 from its shortest.

Branson Tourism Center’s Kurtright points out that in addition to the courses mentioned in the article there are other exciting golfing opportunities in Branson including two championship courses located within the city limits of Branson, the Thousand Hills Golf Course and the newly renovated Pointe Royale Golf Course. He said, “Branson has a choice of courses offering a great golfing experience and challenge for both beginners and more advanced players.”

To avoid disappointment and ensure getting a convenient tee time Kurtright suggests making advance arrangements For additional information on any of the courses mentioned in this article, tee times or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for “one stop service” for all that is Branson. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy Payne Stewart Golf Club

Festivals add another exciting element to the Branson experience

Silver Dollar City's Worldfest.*

(Branson, Missouri) The word “festival” can be defined in many ways, but in Branson, Missouri we define it as “A celebration of fun!” Many people return to Branson with their families every year because they feel like their time in Branson is one big family festival of fun, entertainment, adventure and excitement.

In addition, although known primarily for its live shows, entertainment, attractions and shopping, proportionately speaking, there’s not a town in America, perhaps the world that offers more quality, variety and numbers of festivals than Branson. From “Kewpiesta,” a three day festival in April celebrating the “Kewpie Doll” and its inventor, Rose O’Neil to the two month celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas there is a festival being celebrated as part of the fun and excitement Branson offers.

Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction, the 1880s theme park Silver Dollar City features six major festivals each year starting with World-Fest the country’s largest international festival. It wouldn’t be Spring in the Ozarks without this colorful international festival of fun, entertainment, and food. World-Fest allows you and your family to experience the traditions, culture, music, dancing, and excitement of many countries without leaving the beauty and peace of our Ozark hills, but the fun and excitement doesn’t end there.

As is the case with all its festivals, festival activities are in addition to everything else for which Silver Dollar City is famous. You can enjoy any of the 30 rides and attractions in the park including everything from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to their new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7, dozens of demonstrating craftsmen and some of the best live shows and entertainment available in Branson, all amid the natural wonder of its Ozarks Mountain setting.

In addition to the Festivals at Silver Dollar City, there are a variety of other festivals held throughout Branson every year to celebrate everything from the “Kewpie Doll, ” Ozark history, heritage and crafts to fiddle playing, Bonnie and Clyde, the traditional Christmas, food and wine and many other things. Here’s a list of just some of the festivals taking place in Branson throughout the year sorted chronologically:

18th Annual IMAX Film Fest – March 18 – April 24
See the World in Branson – No Passport Needed – May 1 – May 30
Silver Dollar City’s Young Christians Weekend – April 1 – 3
Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest – April 7 – May 8
Kewpiesta 2011 – April 13 – 17
Hand in Hand Branson Honors Purple Heart Recipients – April 28 – 30
3rd Annual Missouri Wine and Food Festival – April 29 – 30
Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival – May 12 – May 30
Compton Ridge Campground Fiddle Convention – May 19 – 22
Plumb Nellie Days Arts and Crafts Festival – May 20 – 21
Silver Dollars City’s KidsFest – June 11 – July 24
Shepherd of the Hills Summer Cruise 2011 – August 11 – 13
Silver Dollar City’s Southern Gospel Picnic – August 25 – September 5
23rd Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival & Mid America Fiddle Championship – August 25 – 28
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Festival – September 6 – October 22
Compton Ridge Campground Fiddle Convention – September 8 – 11
Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival – September 10 – October 29
38th Annual Autumn Daze Festival – September 16 – 17
13th Annual Hollister Grape & Fall Festival – September 24
Bonnie & Clyde Festival – October 15
Ozark Mountain Christmas – November 1 – December 31
Veterans Home Coming – November 5 – 11
Silver Dollar City’s – An Old Time Christmas – November 5 – December 30
236th Marine Corps Birthday Ball – November 10

On a day to day basis, Branson’s fun, excitement, entertainment and adventure provides a unique and memorable vacation and entertainment experience. Its broad selection of festivals provides you with an opportunity to make that experience even more special and memorable.

*Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Direct nonstop air service to Branson from Dallas and Austin announced

The Dornier 328 Aircraft.*

“The recent announcement by Branson AirExpress (BAE) that they will be providing nonstop air service from Love Field in Dallas, TX to the Branson Airport provides yet another way for visitors to conveniently get to Branson,” said Sharon Budnick, the director of the Branson Travel Agency, a division of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. She also pointed out that it was also announced there would be a resumption of direct nonstop air service between Branson and Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, TX.

In making the announcement about the new service from Dallas and the resumption of the Austin flights Jeff Bourk, executive director of the Branson Airport said, “We are pleased to kick off the 2011 Branson AirExpress season with continued low fares to these fantastic nonstop destinations.” Bourk also indicated that the response to the Branson AirExpress flights during the 2010 season had been strong and that additional scheduling would be announced to Austin and Dallas in the coming weeks.

Currently, the published schedule is for one morning flight from each destination on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Bourk said that the flights will be operated for Branson AirExpress by Vision Airline on 30 passenger Dornier 328 Aircraft, “one of the most comfortable and modern turbo-prop aircraft in the world.”

Branson Travel Agency’s Budnick said, ” Branson Airport’s service on Frontier, AirTran and Branson AirExpress, coupled with the air service into the Springfield – Branson National Airport on air carriers such as American, United, Delta and Allegiant, provide a wider variety of fare and scheduling options for Branson air travelers than ever before.” She said that she would be pleased to provide more information or tickets on air travel to Branson or any of Branson’s shows and attractions or lodging arrangements. Please contact her at the Branson Travel Agency either by calling 800-785-2176 or through their website www.BransonTravelAgency.com.

*Picture courtesy of Fairchild-Dornier.Com